Samsung Galaxy A72 5G vs Galaxy A52 5G: expectations

We have been hearing loads of rumors about the two upcoming mid-range phones by Samsung, the Galaxy A72 and the Galaxy A52. Both phones are expected to come in 4G and in 5G variants, and we will be looking into the 5G ones in this theoretical comparison.

This year Samsung seems ready to up its mid-range game with some welcome additions to the successors of the two very popular mid-rangers, the Galaxy A71 and the Galaxy A51.

If you’re set on upgrading to a Galaxy A-series phone in 2021, you may be wondering which one you should go for: the Galaxy A72 5G, or the Galaxy A52 5G… in this article, we will attempt to help you find the answer!

You may also find interesting:

• Galaxy A51 vs Galaxy A52: early comparison
• Galaxy A72 preview
• Galaxy A72 vs Galaxy S21: expectations
• Galaxy A71 vs Galaxy A72: the key differences to expect

So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

Galaxy A72 5G vs Galaxy A52 5G design and colors

• same color options
• Galaxy A52 is slightly smaller than the A72
• IP67 rating for both

Here, at least based on rumors, the difference between the Galaxy A72 and the Galaxy A52 boils down to the actual phone size. The Galaxy A52 has a 6.5-inch display, while the A72 is reportedly going to be slightly larger, at 6.7-inches. Both midrangers sport the same set of fresh new colors: Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Violet, and Awesome Pink, and have a sleek look with a tiny hole-punch selfie camera at the front.

Galaxy A72 5G vs Galaxy A52 5G display

• 6.7-inch FullHD+ Super AMOLED Plus screen vs 6.5-inch FullHD+ Super AMOLED screen
• 90Hz vs 120Hz display refresh rate

The first thing that is notable in the display comparison between the two phones is the expected refresh rates. The Galaxy A52 5G is rumored to sport a 120Hz display refresh rate, a feature seen in flagship phones in the likes of the Galaxy S21 series, while the A72 5G will have a 90Hz display refresh rate like the Pixel 5. However, keep in mind that the difference between 90Hz and 120Hz is barely noticeable with the naked eye, and does not even compare to the difference between, say, 60Hz and 90Hz (which is quite drastic). That being said, both phones’ displays should look smooth and beautiful enough, in addition to the deep blacks and rich colors that the AMOLED screens will provide.
We also find a small difference in display sizes, as the A52 is the smaller device with its 6.5-inch display. However, a 6.5-inch display is not small enough to be called a compact phone, so both are still quite big. The A72 will reportedly have a 6.7-inch display. According to rumors, both phones have a resolution of 2,400 x 1,800 pixels, but understandably, the smaller Galaxy A52 5G’s pixel density is slightly bigger at around 405ppi, while the Galaxy A72 5G will probably have around 393ppi. The difference in a few pixels will most likely not be that distinguishable with the naked eye.

Galaxy A72 5G vs Galaxy A52 5G hardware and performance

• Snapdragon 750G for 5G variants of both
• 6 or 8GB of RAM

You might be surprised to hear that actually, at least judging by what we have based on rumors, the two phones will sport very similar hardware characteristics. First off, we have the same rumored processor that will power the two: Snapdragon 750G for the 5G variants, and 720G for the 4G LTE ones. For reference, the Moto G 5G has the same processor, as does the Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite and the Motorola One 5G Ace. Once we get the Galaxy A72 and the Galaxy A52 for testing, we’ll tell you exactly how the processor performs in the two Samsung midrangers.

The Galaxy A52 is expected to come with 6 or 8GB of RAM on board, and the A72 is tipped to come with 8GB of RAM. Both 6 and 8 gigs of RAM seem sufficient for your everyday multitasking needs, so here we don’t expect to see big differences either.

As far as performance is concerned, we can say that at least based on our experience with the two phones’ predecessors, both phones should be pretty capable and stutter-free in everyday usage.

Galaxy A72 5G vs Galaxy A52 5G cameras

• Quad cameras, main 64MP sensors
• A72 reportedly has an 8MP 2x telephoto

In the camera department, the only notable difference between the two phones is the 8MP telephoto lens that the Galaxy A72 will reportedly rock. The telephoto sensor replaces what is a depth sensor on the Galaxy A71, and if this turns out to be true, the sensor will provide 2x telephoto zoom, which should technically give better zoom-in photos.


In terms of the actual photo quality that both phones will produce, we can at least expect a reasonable level of detail to be present and some true-to-life colors. Of course, we will know more when we take them for a spin. At least on paper, both phones’ main cameras are expected to perform similarly, and a difference could be seen in the zoomed-in images, where the A72 could earn a point.

While we wait for the phones to get announced, you can look at some camera samples from last year, from our Galaxy A71 and our Galaxy A51 reviews. Keep in mind the differences in scenarios in the photos below are due to the fact that when we were doing the Galaxy A51 review, it was still winter, while the Galaxy A71 photos were shot in the bright and contrasting summer shine.

Galaxy A72 5G vs Galaxy A52 5G battery life

• 5,000mAh vs 4,500mAh
• 25W fast charging for both

Here, the Galaxy A72 may be the favorite if you really need a big battery. Rumors claim the phone will have a massive 5,000mAh battery, and that should ensure great battery life. The Galaxy A52 is rumored to have a 4,500mAh battery cell, which is also good and should last quite a while with light to moderate usage.

Given the fact that both phones are rumored to sport higher refresh rates for their displays, we will more or less see some of its impact on their battery life. The exact toll the higher refresh rate will take on both phones’ battery life will strongly depend on whether or not Samsung goes for an adaptive refresh rate.

Galaxy A72 5G vs Galaxy A52 5G price and availability

• €449 vs €429
  

Both the Galaxy A72 5G and the Galaxy A52 5G have not been officially announced yet, and leaks have detailed only the A72 4G-only pricing, and more specifically, the European pricing, which is said to start at €449. We expect the 5G variant to have a higher price, but it is unknown at the moment.

On the other hand, the Galaxy A52 5G will reportedly retail at €429 in Europe. We have yet to hear about the US prices.

Both phones are expected to be announced in late February or the beginning of March. Sales and shipments should start shortly after.

Conclusion